Effects of Parenteral Nutrition with Amino Acid Alone and Amino Acid-Intralipid Combination on Vital Signs and Rate of Diuresis in ICU Patients

Abstract

Background: Nearly all cases admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) suffer from poor nutritional status. Accordingly, the type of parenteral nutrition administered can influence these patients’ health conditions. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effects of parenteral nutrition with the amino acid alone and amino acid-intralipid combination on vital signs and rate of diuresis in ICU patients. Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted over two years, from March 2021 to March 2023. Patients under intravenous nutrition with amino acid (Group A) and amino acid-intralipid (Group B) for three days (as ordered by the ICU specialist) were examined. The patients' vital signs and laboratory findings were recorded before and after the nutrition. The data were analyzed using SPSS v. 26. Results: The patients were homogeneous regarding age, sex, disease history, and diagnosis (P < 0.05). After parenteral feeding, urine and blood urea nitrogen/creatinine ratio respectively increased and decreased in Group B. Moreover, the serum bilirubin level significantly decreased in Group B, and SGOT and SGPT increased in Group A. In addition, the breathing rate significantly increased in Group A after intravenous feeding (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Although intravenous amino acid-intralipid nutrition increased and decreased urine and blood urea nitrogen/creatinine, respectively, the patients who received amino acid alone also experienced an increase in urine volume and respiratory rate. Therefore, intravenous amino acid nutrition alone can be cost-effective.